Perspectives of Non-Speaking ICU Patients and their Families on Goals-of-Care and End-of-Life Discussions

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore how patients and their caregivers perceived their communication during goals-of-care/end-of-life discussions and decision-making in the intensive care unit (ICU). The patient participants were temporarily non-speaking due to their medical treatment and used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) during their stay in the ICU. Results from patient participants were garnered when they reported their experience retrospectively. The long-term goal was to support strategies and assist in the development of AAC tools for patient participation during goals-of-care and end-of-life conversations.

Cultural adaptation in Quebec of the COMHON index: a tool for assessing the risk of pressure injury in critically ill patients

CJCCN Volume 37, Number 1, 2026

Call for Peer Reviewers: External

The Canadian Journal of Critical Care Nursing (CJCCN) is looking to add to our external Peer Review list.  
 

CJCCN Aim and Scope

• The Canadian Journal of Critical Care Nursing (CJCCN) is an open access scientific, peer reviewed journal.
• The aim of the Canadian Journal of Critical Care Nursing (CJCCN) is to publish innovative and current research as well as recent clinical evidence related to critical care and critical care nursing.

Nurses’ perceived feasibility and the clinical utility of the Nociception Level (NOL™) Index for pain assessment in critically ill adults

Abstract

Introduction: The Nociception Level (NOL™) Index monitors nociception and related pain using multiple physiologic parameters through a non-invasive finger probe and is currently undergoing validation for pain assessment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This study aimed to describe its feasibility and clinical utility from nurses’ perspectives, which is crucial for its potential adoption in clinical practice.

Methods: This descriptive study involved ICU nurses who received a brief training (5-minute video and handout) as part of the validation process of the NOL Index in a medical-surgical ICU.

Editorial Management Team

The Chief Editor, Co-Editors and the Editorial Advisory Board members are volunteer CACCN Members.

Our Peer Reviewers are also volunteers who give of their time and expertise to assist the CACCN in producing a high quality scientific journal.

CJCCN Volume 35, Number 1, Spring/Summer 2024

Coping Strategies Used by Registered Nurses in Acute and Critical Care Settings: A scoping review protocol

Abstract

Background & Purpose: Acute and Critical Care (ACC) settings are a highly demanding and specific environment for registered nurses (RNs) to provide care in, and the use of coping strategies is key to supporting their work-related well-being. However, currently, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence on how RNs in ACC settings, specifically, cope with work-related stressors. Therefore, this review will summarize the international literature on coping strategies RNs use in ACC settings to deal with work-related stressors.

Debriefing and Reflective Interventions to Address Moral Distress: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Moral distress is a common phenomenon found in all areas of nursing practice with a high prevalence in specialties such as critical care nursing. The under management of moral distress is associated with the development of burnout, issues with nursing turnover, and patient safety concerns. Identification of effective interventions to address moral distress remains a novel topic of investigation. The aim of this project was to explore the use of debriefings and reflective practices to address and alleviate moral distress.

A rapid realist review of practices for assigning remote telemetry responsibilities to new critical care nurses

Abstract

Background: Registered nurses in critical care units may have a variety of responsibilities in addition to direct patient care. Assuming roles over and above their patient assignment can be challenging for nurses new to critical care. Even though additional roles may include similar skill sets (e.g., electrocardiography), the demands of learning multiple new roles and responsibilities occur during a larger transition into specialty practice.

Aim: To identify and summarize literature that helps provide guidance and best-practice(s) regarding assigning telemetry to new critical care nurses.